Coalition plan short on detail

For a “plan" that promises “real solutions", the Coalition’s blueprint for government is big on themes but light on detail. The document marks the beginning of political combat in this election year, in which we hope to hear more about policies and less about personalities. Judging by the US presidential-style launch of this document, and the not insignificant amount of space taken in it to laud
Tony Abbott
, it seems the Coalition is still focused primarily on defining their man, rather than their policies.

The plan does outline broad themes that are likely to be well received. It promises to cut government spending, reduce debt and enable individuals and businesses to reap the rewards of their own efforts. These are laudable aims, but they lack detail on financing and timing. It is not clear, for example, when a ­Coalition government would return the budget to surplus – the shadow Treasurer insists this would come in the first year but this document, in its summary of policy priorities, is not as ­precise. Confirmation that a Coalition government would establish a commission of audit to identify savings and efficiencies in all areas of government to help reduce debt is welcome. Not so credible are promises to reduce personal income tax and ­company tax, with no explanation of how this will be possible given the pledge to “live within our means".

The 50-page plan dwells heavily on the Coalition’s oft- repeated pledge to repeal the carbon and mining taxes. While there are many problems with these Labor taxes, getting rid of them falls far short of the comprehensive plan for tax reform that voters deserve and the economy needs.

The document addresses several areas of concern to the business community, such as the increasing cost of doing business and ever-increasing amounts of red and green tape. Labour reform plans, however, appear limited to a crackdown on union corruption with new rules to make registered organisations more accountable, and the restoration of the Building and Construction Commission. Those hoping for changes to the Fair Work Act will be disappointed. While the Coalition has promised to lift productivity, the document confirms it will work within the existing framework with Fair Work Australia. There is no mention made of the penalty rates that are kneecapping many businesses that want to trade on weekends.

There are spending promises for major infrastructure projects in just about every state and an Abbott government would commit to announce priorities and construction time­tables with the states within a year of election. A similar focus on big-ticket projects didn’t play too well for the Rudd government.

We also need more detail on the Coalition’s competition ­policy, which appears likely to introduce more regulation to ­protect small business against larger companies and vows to get tough on anti-dumping to aid manufacturing.

The Coalition can expect all of its policies to come under ­scrutiny in the months to come. Recent polls, including the JWS Research data reported exclusively by Phillip Coorey today, shows the Coalition would win solidly if an election were held now, but Labor is not without hope it can improve its position.